A large gathering of Hindu representatives, dubbed a ‘mahapanchayat’, has called for a social and economic boycott of Muslims follwoing religious clashes.

Held in Gurugram, just southwest of Delhi, the mahapanchayat was attended by 1,500 Hindu representatives from 100 villages. The gathering was held despite section 144, which prohibits gatherings larger thatn five people, being in effect.

The panchayat comes a few days after Hindu-Muslim clashes broke out in Nuh, in the state of Haryana. A total of six people including two home guards had been killed in the riots. Miscreants had also attacked Anjuman mosque late into the night and killed Naib Imam Mohammed Saad, who was 26 years old.

Following the incident, an FIR had been registered for the murder nominating six Hindu men.

However, the mahapanchayat declared that the men were innocent and resolved that any attempt to arrest them will be resisted.

The panchayat also resolved that Muslims will be boycotted. Members said that if idnetity documents indicate a man is a Muslim, they should not be given lodgings or shops on rent. Participants also said that Muslims should not be hired or done business with.

A 101-member committee has been formed to communicate the demands to the area’s commissioner.